Chris again

Today we went to the Science Center so that our children could see the t-rex exhibit.  The process goes like this... go to bank and take a second mortgage on your home so that you can pay for the parking, drive to the museum, realize that you have no diaper bag.  What a rookie mistake!  No diaper bag?!?!  Come on, we are in our 41st month of parenting, have we learned nothing?!?!? 

So we knew going in that this would be a quick trip.  Between the van and the restroom, we asked Toby approximately 381 times whether or not he had peed his pants.  Thankfully he did not.  We got in line, bought our tickets and in we went.  Toby loved it.  He went to every t-rex exhibit they had there.  This all took approximately 6 minutes.  Which average about $68 per minute for the trip.  Abby on the other hand was less than thrilled with the large dinosaurs.  And by that I mean that she would have preferred to have been throw from our van, while it was moving, while having her hair combed, and eating broccoli all at the same time, as opposed to being taken within 100 yards of Sue the t-rex.  Abby's apparent dislike for animals that could swallow her whole, combined with us having no diaper bag, and the boy having finished touring museum in less time than it took for us to buy the tickets... all of this meant we were back home pretty quickly.  So the moral of the story is never leave the house.... at least not with the children.

Happy Anniversary

Today my grandparents have been married 57 years! Now that's something to brag about :-)

Yay Bob and Wallie, I love you and the legacy you have left for all of us.

Teach them to suffer well

We just finished a study with our small group called "Effective Parenting in a Defective World" by Chip Ingram. It was really good, Chip Ingram and his ministry Living on the Edge (www.lote.org) really resonates with me. I also love that I can listen to it on my iPod. 

There were many great points from this study but the one that is sticking at this time is the lesson on teaching your kids to suffer well. In other words, instead of shielding them from life's disappointments and sorrows, teaching them to turn to God when times get hard. This is a challenge to do even as an adult much less imposing it as a parent. However, I can see the importance for us and for friends and family this year. 

Last night we had an incident with Toby. He didn't get a nap and was a little restless. We were watching our Cosby show before bed and he kept jumping and rolling around the couch (not watching the TV at all). So after a couple warnings, he was sent to bed. However, he was very unhappy and overtired and the fit that ensued was so disheartening. He was literally screaming and trying to pinch, hit, or kick us. I spanked him but then decided to just hold him down until he settled down. He finally did and I comforted him and told him how sad I was at the way he was acting. He was most upset because Abby got to stay up and he had to go to bed. He felt left out and though I felt bad for him, we stood our ground and did not let him get out of bed. In the end he was sad, he was sorry, and he still loved us too. 

I am not sure if this how Chip would approached it but I am confident that we need to continue to let them suffer whether it be with discipline and punishment or lessons about life and death. Not only to suffer but to turn to God in prayer with their hurt and questions. Even though it hurts us when our children hurt, this will better equip them to grow into adults that can deal with life's troubles through a relationship with Jesus. 

Poor Peanut

Though the "peanut" is sick with an ear infection she remains spunky as ever. These are the new shades we got them on our weekend away. They both wore them to the doctor's office yesterday and it was very cute to look back at the two "cool" kids.

Weekend Away

Chris and I went to a marriage conference at the Lake this weekend and though I was suffering from a cold we had a wonderful time! The conference was good but also it was good just to remind each other that our marriage is a big priority and we do have to nurture and care for it. We did many things but a few of the highlights were: romantic dinner overlooking the lake, writing love letters, Chris "shaking" me up on the dance floor, and hanging out with our new friends the Pitraks!

Now if I could only find our picture from our last "Strands" weekend. It is driving me crazy. I have been through several tubs of loose pictures and albums and am starting to grow annoyed. Even more though I am starting to realize the huge need to purge some of those materials. So I guess this is my next project. If you have any tips on organizing clutter (especially loose pictures) please let me know.

Turkey Sausage and Spinach Pasta

12 ounces whole wheat short pasta such as shells or twists
8 ounces hot (or sweet) Italian turkey sausage links, remove from casings
3 cloves garlic, chopped
8 cups baby spinach (or arugula)
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, plus more to top
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Cook pasta until tender 9 to 11 minutes. Meanwhile, cook sausage in skillet over med-high heat, cook through, about 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and tomatoes. Stir often until greens wilt and tomatoes cook down a bit. Remove from heat, cover and keep warm.

Combine 1/2 cup cheese, pepper and salt in bowl. Measure out 1/2 cup of pasta water; drain the pasta. Whisk the cooking liquid and oil into the cheese mixture, toss with sausage mixture to combine. Serve the pasta topped with the sausage/cheese mixture and grate a little cheese on top. If you use real Pecorino Romano it adds a lot of flavor.

This is some sort of carb heavy runner's recipe but I just think it's pretty good stuff!

Just too cute!

Valentines Dinner

We made a special meal at home. We made chicken spedini, pasta, and spinach salad. Finished off with Ghiradelli's Ultimate Fudge brownies (my favorite!) for dessert. Really good stuff. The chicken speidini recipe is a family favorite that I clipped out of the paper a couple years ago. It's from a local restaurant called Ricardo's Italian cafe. I don't use a stick of butter, instead I use 3-4 tbsp of Smart Balance and about 1/2 of a lemon juiced. It still is very delicious. For bread crumbs I usually just toast bread and put it in the food processor. Careful with the skewers, I have caught a couple of fingers in them.

Chicken Spiedini

1 1/2 to 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts (on sale at Dierberg's this week!)

1 tbsp olive oil (little more if doing more chicken)

1 clove garlic (again little more if doing more chicken)

1/2 tsp coarse sea salt (I guestimate)

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper (guestimate again)

1/2 tsp onion powder (you get the idea)

1/2 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley (I just used a tsp or two of dried)

1 1/2 to 2 cups plain dry bread crumbs 

Wooden skewers soaked in water for 15 minutes (Maybe that's why I skewered my fingers, I missed this)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine (again I used less and I used Smart Balance)

Juice of 2 lemons (I used 1/2 a lemon)

Wash chicken and pat dry then cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes and put in medium bowl. Add oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder; toss to coat. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Prepare a very low fire in the grill or preheat the broiler (my broiler doesn't work so I did the highest bake setting). When ready to cook, add parsley and bread crumbs to the chicken and toss well until pieces are thoroughly coated. Skewer chicken, pieces should be touching but not smashed against each other. Cook 8 to 10 minutes each side. While the chicken cooks melt butter and mix with lemon. When chicken is finished place on platter and drizzle with lemon butter sauce. 

Movie Review Website

This is a great website that helps to evaluate if a movie is ok to watch for your family: 

http://www.pluggedinonline.com/

It is pretty thorough. After reading a review of The Dark Knight I decided against it (for me). 

Super Size Me

For those who have not seen this here is the intro, I highly recommend the rental. Plus, this guy Morgan Spurlock also did a show called 30 days where he shoots interesting scenarios for 30 days. This is also available to rent on DVD.

Cheesehead Dip

My dear friend Mindy gave me this recipe and every time I make it is a hit. Secretly I make it because I like it but that is why I cook a lot of the recipes I make. This time I used reduced fat cheeses and my bible study group still liked it!

Christmas Cheese Tree/Ball

1 pckg (8oz) cream cheese softened

2 cups (8oz) shredded cheddar (I like sharp)

3 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper, I guestimate

3 tbsp finely chopped onion, guestimate again

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp worcestershire sauce

And if you shape it into a Christmas tree you need: 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, yellow bell pepper (star), baby cherry tomatoes (ornaments), and lemon peel strips (garland)

Poop Disaster

We don't eat McDonald's often but I think I am putting our family on a lifetime ban after yesterday. Don't get me wrong, we have cleaned up some major-straight to the bathtub-poop messes but last night seemed worse somehow. Abigail (and Toby) were restless after they were put to bed and while Papa and I were watching Family Ties finally he says "Abigail, come here." so she did. Then he got a whiff and took her back to change her diaper. Then I heard him say "we have a blowout back here" so I went back to discover she had poop all over her, the bed (crib and mattress), the floor, and her cup (really gross!!!). It probably didn't help that we were out of her diapers and she had to wear one of Toby's but still, no more McDonald's!

Banilla Heaven

If you have not tried it, Stonyfield Farms makes a new yogurt flavor called Banilla. It comes in the big container and is very good. I had it for dessert last night. However, it's still not as good as Trader Joe's Strawberries 'n Cream and Banana 'n Cream yogurts that come in the multipack. Not low fat but who cares?!?! They are truly divine.

But Mom, you said I could

Sometimes I think Mom's have temporary moments of insanity, aka "I do not want to be remembered as the mean mom who always said no". Today, it went down like this.....I was going to get a quick shower while the kids watched a video and just befored I jumped in Toby says "Mom, can I put a little lotion on my hands" and I hesitated and then said OK. After I got out of the shower I discovered he had gotten more than a little and smeared it on my nightstand and bed frame. Then, I had a a brief burst of anger "Tobias, what did you, TIME OUT!".......and then after he sat in time out for a few minutes I told him that I was sorry I snapped and that I need his help to take care of our house which includes not smearing lotion on furniture and running down the hall with the crayons (Abby had made an attractive line that morning).

Again though, as I did some data entry for Basket of Hope this afternoon, I am reminded that it is such a huge blessing to have two HEALTHY children and also that I am rich in love. So it's okay if the house has crayon marks and hand prints and constant "Partners in Crime", I wouldn't have it any other way.

Fruit Pizza

1 tube sugar cookie dough
1 8 ounce container cream cheese softened (reduced fat works too)
1 cup powdered sugar
Favorite fruit, sliced (I prefer berries)

Spread dough out into pizza shape on cookie sheet (rectangle or round), may need a little flour to avoid sticking. Bake in 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or just when it starts to brown. After it is cool mix cream cheese and powdered sugar and spread over pizza. Then top with fruit.

Yummy for breakfast or dessert. Doesn't do well has a leftover, crust gets soggy.

Strawberry and Spinach Salad

Big bunch of spinach, washed and drained

1 pint strawberries, sliced

1 cup nuts (pecans, almonds. walnuts) - can candy in the frying pan with a couple tbsp water and a few tbsp sugar on med to low heat for 5 or more minutes until the sugar has dried up and is sticking to nuts

Dressing: 1/2 cup canola oil, 1/4 cider vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar (can do 1/4 honey and 1/4 sugar), 1/4 tsp paprika, 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional), 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional) - shake all ingredients until mixed, will have to re-mix if using later

Toss all ingredients to make yummy salad. Everyone loves it! Word to the wise: some prefer the dressing on the side. 

Nice Day

It was a beautiful sunny day today so after lunch the kids and I went out in the backyard for a bit. It is amazing what some fresh air and sunshine does for your psyche. It is also amazing what picking up 40 dog bombs will do for you psyche (and I so adore my dog, lol). No just kidding, if you have not been out today go out, take some deep breaths and SMILE!

This is Chris speaking

My darling wife is out for the evening so I thought I would hijack her blog and share my thoughts for the day in her absence.  

Thought #1:  I think my children have a hearing impairment.  This is evidenced by the fact that they do not hear anything unless it is being shouted at them.  Everything I want to discuss with them has to be done in my "stadium vendor voice."  Tomorrow they are getting fitted for some type of augmentative device.

Thought #2:  I love it when my children sing.... and I don't mean kids' songs.  Like tonight I downloaded "U Can't Touch This" and "Ice Ice Baby," and I could tell they were into it.  Again though I think that they have problems with their ears, because they were holding them pretty tightly several times during the songs.  (Mental note: swing by Baby Gap to look for Hammer-pants.)

Thought #3:  Without prompting, tonight Toby mentioned to me that Jesus turned water into wine.  Now I have read enough parenting books to know that was a golden opportunity to talk about the dangers of alcohol abuse.  Needless to say, after showing him pictures of a diseased liver, I don't think he will ever discuss Sunday school with me again.

Harry Potter 6 out July 17th

Oh man, this one may make me pee my pants but I...must...see..it!!! 

Memories

When Chris leaves in the morning he always says "Have fun today.", meaning to enjoy the children while they are at home. This weekend we watched Toy Story 2, and it's about childhood being short and growing up. Very cute movie. I am really trying to burn their little faces and voice in my brain today. They are so eager for me to play with them all the time, and I know that will change. Today, before Abby woke, Toby and I played Go Fish and read books. Then, we heard Abby stir and walked in to a very cheerful "Good morning. Howdy, howdy, howdy". They have seen Toy Story the original about a hundred times.

This is the pretty song from the movie: